Clinton Township is filled with nearly 300 years of history. From abandoned settlements to wartime battles, there are many more surprising facts to learn about the area. Here’s a quick history of Clinton Township.
The Moravian Settlement Was the First in the Area
Before Clinton Township and Macomb County were a thing, the Moravian Settlement called the area home. The Moravians were from Saxony, Germany, and came to America in the early 1700s. Their missionaries built the Moravian Church and preached to the Native American inhabitants as well as their German brethren. When the British came upon the area that would grow into Clinton Township, they discovered remnants of this settlement.
Clinton Township Used to Be Larger
One interesting fact about Clinton Township is its size. Today, Clinton Township encompasses a much smaller area than it did back in 1827. Back then, Clinton Township also included what would become Warren Township and Erin Township. The township may not have had as many residents living there as there are today, but the actual city limits were much wider.
The British Employed Native Americans From the Area During the War of 1812
During the War of 1812 when the British attempted to retake control of America, Native Americans proved valuable allies in their revenge against the American soldiers. The British motivated the Native Americans to join their cause by offering them $5 for every enemy captured in battle. It’s not known how successful this strategy was, although it makes for an interesting historic tale.
Clinton Township Was Named After the Clinton River
During the century of immigration and battles over the American territories, Clinton Township existed under several different names. At first, it was the site of the Moravian Settlement, eventually becoming Frederick. When Michigan became a state in 1837, legislators renamed the village Clinton Township after the Clinton River. This happened during the very first meeting of Michigan’s state legislator.
Japanese-Americans Relocated to Clinton Township During World War II
During the second world war in 1943, Paul Weiss (a proprietor for Mount Clemens Rose Gardens) implored the United States government to give permission for Japanese-Americans to relocate to the area. These citizens were those who were held in the internment camps at the time, and when they relocated to Clinton Township, they became invaluable workers for the Rose Gardens. They even formed a baseball team and went on to win the league championship in 1947.
Clinton Township Is the Largest Township in Michigan
Although the largest township in Michigan by land area is McMillan Township (about 588 square miles), Clinton Township is the most populous of Michigan’s townships. In July 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated around 100,471 residents living in Clinton Township, making it the most populated township in Michigan.
There are many more fascinating tidbits regarding Clinton Township. If you’re interested in learning more about this unique history, stop into one of Clinton Township’s many historical buildings, museums, and sites to explore even more. You never know what you might learn next.
Image via Pixabay.com
Connect with us
